'A nation that was crazy about him, later just passed him by'

Several other Bollywood stars also shared their memories of Rajesh Khanna.

Dia Mirza tweeted: 'I saw him one day standing alone in a white kurta pyjama by the gate...a nation that was crazy about him was now just passing him by... That image will never leave my mind.'

R Madhavan wrote: 'My childhood memories come flooding back when ever I see or Hear one of Rajesh Khanna Ji's songs.A winsome smile and awesome actor. Heart broken to hear about Rajesh Khanna Ji. A Legend moves on a and leaves behind a sea of nostalgic memories. RIP Rajesh Ji.'

Choreographer Shiamak Davar ‏wrote: 'Seen all his films many times over years his acting his songs his style his stardom will always inspire will miss the legend rajesh khanaa.'

Celina Jaitly tweeted: 'Rajesh khanna gave the wonderful gift of "passionate romance" to the indian silver screen..may he RIP in the land of endless love ! My mother tells me that Rajesh Khanna in an airforce uniform was the epitome of the ultimate man in the 70s all girls were crazy after him.'

Fashion designer Manish Malhotra ‏wrote: 'RIP superstar RAJESH KHANNA:his movies:songs:mannerisms:will always be cherished and remembered. His iconic stlye: Belts over his kurta collared shirts: scarf around his neck:slip on shoes: And his romantic songs will always be cherished.'

'When we lose someone, we realise how special he was'

Juhi Chawla, who is in Uganda at the moment, tweeted: 'In uganda presently .. Heard the news of Rajesh Khanna ji passing away ...sad... Zindagi Ka safar hai yeh kaisa safar ..An amazing life .. God bless his soul .... May he rest in peace !! So sad ... Once again ... When we lose someone we realise how special he was !!'

Madhur Bhandarkar tweeted: 'Belt over the shirt & guru kurtas are some of the many trends set by kakaji that inspired & were followed by a whole generation.'

Sudhir Mishra wrote: 'I can't think of my school years without an image ,a song , a dialogue of Rajesh Khanna pppping into my head.'

Farhan Akhtar tweeted: 'Rajesh uncle, thank you for the movies, the music and the memories. You live on in our hearts.'

Vivek Oberoi wrote: 'India's 1st superstar is no more but his legacy will live on! Rajeshji's movies will always remain a fond childhood memory.RIP Rajesh Khanna.'

Minissha Lamba tweeted: 'You can never leave us... For u will always shine bright in our hearts... Thank you for all joy u brought to u the world.. RIP Rajesh Sir.'

Renowned tabla player Zakir Hussain, who is presently in Lyon, France, wrote: 'My condolences to Rajesh ji's family on his untimely passing, another incredible artist has gone.'

When Sonu Nigam couldn't remember a Rajesh Khanna song

Singer Sonu Niigam recalled an incident when the late actor requested him to sing a song from one of his films during Fardeen Khan's wedding and he couldn't sing.

'Was prfrmng on Fardeen's wedding, Rajeshji stood right in front of me listening to all my mad medleys, and then requested me to sing Jai Jai Shiv Shankar. And I couldn't. Cuz I didn't know d Antaras lyrics. I feel terrible today. Met him last at a frnd Satyaprakash's son's wedding cpl of months bck. Knew he cdn't last long 4 he ws so frail,' Sonu tweeted.